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Generic steps to removing a virus from an infected PC

Alex — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:59 +0000

Ever been infected with a virus but not known what to do? Well have no fear…PCToolbox is here…with a tutorial to help you remove the virus!

Firstly download the free version of Malwarebytes
Now you need to turn off System Restore. Use the following tutorials to aid you:
For Windows 7
For Vista
For XP
Boot your machine into ‘Safe Mode’. This is done by restarting your computer and immediately when it starts to come on keep tapping F8 until you get a menu on the screen to choose Safe Mode.
Now install and run Malwarebytes. Remove whatever the software finds.
You may have to repeat step 4 a few times!
Now reboot your machine normally and run Malwarebytes 1 more time assuming it finds nothing
Turn ‘System Restore’ back on. Use the following tutorials to help you:
For Windows
For Vista
For XP

Please Note – This tutorial is designed for those who are competent computer users. All PCToolbox advice is produced in the best interest of the reader to help maintain a healthy working machine and therefore cannot be held responsible for any problems that may occur. If you’re unsure about any of the above advice please contact your local IT Technician.

Foxit PDF Reader – An Alternative to Adobe

Alex — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:00:53 +0000

Nearly everyone that opens a PDF file will use Adobe’s Acrobat Reader. But have you ever wondered if there are any good alternatives to the widely used program? Here at PCToolbox we think we’ve found the ideal alternative in the Free Foxit PDF Reader (Download here).

The program involves a short and easy download/installation process. Once installed you can then get cracking.

Foxit’s has the usual features that Acrobat has…but of course the designers have put their own mark on the software by introducing new features. The actual interface (see right) of the program is simplistic with icons available to make the reader easy to use. You of course also have the option to use features through the usual menu/right-click routes.

A great feature is the annotation tool. This enables the reader to add comments and annotations to the pdf as they go along. It allows you to draw graphics, highlight text, type text and make notes. You can then either save the annotations or print a copy of with the comments included.

When you open the reader there is also a welcome screen (see right). This makes usage extremely easy.

One of my favourite features is the ability to use tabs (see below). I don’t know about you but if I’m using a PDF I don’t usually have just one open, I normally have several. Foxit have taken the idea of Tabs from the typical Internet Browser and applied it to PDF. So you can have several PDF’s open but in just one window! This means it’s considerably easier to move between files so the experience you have when using the software is much more pleasant.

Finally there’s the text converter. This ingeniously enables you to convert an entire PDF file into a simple text document. I think you’ll agree with me when I say that this feature can could definitely be a time saver!

I am tremendously impressed by Foxit and I really do think if people give it a try they’ll make it their first choice PDF Reader!

Review – Image Resizer for Windows 7 and Vista

Alex — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:38 +0000

Last week we wrote a tutorial for the new Image Resizer for Windows 7 and Vista…and now it’s time to review it! The software has been developed by CodePlex and is free to download!

As a whole we’re very impressed with the program and think it’s got a lot of potential. The software itself is very easy to use and provides a very effective and efficient service.

If the product was to be developed further we’d like to see a couple of new features added. Firstly, we think that there should the option to select the image compression. By this we mean you can select the extent to which the image quality is compromised. Secondly, there could be some basic image editing software within the application.

Overall we’re impressed and think it’s worth downloading!

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro vs AVG Internet Security

Alex — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:39 +0000

Today we’re comparing Trend Micro Internet Security Pro and the Award Winning AVG Internet Security! Many of you wouldn’t have heard of Trend Micro. They’re one of the less known Anti-Virus Software providers. For more information on Trend Micro visit their website! The comparison will involve an overview of the features each package has and then at the end we’ll tell you which we think is better through our rating system. Our ratings are worked out by the amount of ticks the product has. Further points are awarded for faster download, simpler/better installation and cheaper price.

Feature
Download Time	Very Long	Fast
Installation	Installation is of average length and is simple. However, it doesn’t take you through any setup.	Takes an average length of time. Quite extensive and helps you set up the basic features of the software.
Anti-Virus
Anti-Spyware
Anti-Spam
Blocks unauthorized programs
Web Shield
Toolbar
Authenticates wireless hotspots and Wi-Fi Networks
Child Protection (inc time, length and content)
Personal Information Protection (Encryption)
Link Scanner
Snapshot of security features
Clean up PC for faster performance
Anti-Malware
Anti-Phishing
Anti-Rootkit
Identity Protection(Advanced)
Firewall
Available to buy from Brandstar
RRP (3 PC’s for 1 year)	£54.95	£58.71
Overall Rating	14 out of 21	19 out of 21

Overall I haven’t been that impressed with Trend Micro Internet Security Pro. It has a long way to go before it will compete with the liks of AVG. It may be cheaper but you have to buy the 3 PC package which is pretty pointless if you only have 1 PC. The features that the software offers aren’t as capable and advanced as that of AVG Internet Security. Trend Micro is however easy to use and have a very user friendly layout! However, to fight for a place in the top 3 they’ll need to bring something unique and some quality to the table neither of which they provide now. So my advice, if you’re stuck between the two go for AVG!

Avira Premium Security Suite vs AVG Internet Security

Alex — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:41 +0000

Today we’re comparing Avira’s Premium Security Suite and the Award Winning AVG Internet Security. Avira again are relatively unknown to the typical user but I think in a few years time it will be fighting AVG, Norton and McAfee for the most popular software providers. For more about Avira check out their website! The comparison will involve an overview of the features each package has and then at the end we’ll tell you which we think is better through our rating system. Our ratings are worked out by the amount of ticks the product has. Further points are awarded for faster download, simpler/better installation and cheaper price.

Feature
Download Time	Very Fast	Fast
Installation	Installation was long. You setup a couple of the basic features but most features you need for a decent performance are still left to be configured. Also, very frustratingly it isn’t compatible with complementary anti-virus software such as, Windows Firewall. However, it does allow you to continue the installation process. A warning just appears to say they aren’t compatible.	Takes an average length of time. Quite extensive and helps you set up the basic features of the software.
Anti-Virus
Anti-Adware
Anti-Spyware
Anti-Phishing
Anti-Rootkit
Web-Shield/Guard (Protection whilst surfing the Internet)
Anti-Bot
Email-Scanner
Backup System
Anti-Spam
Firewall
GameMode
Parental Control
Easy to remove Viruses
Task Scheduler
Identity Protection
Link Scanner
IM Scanner
Available to buy from Brandstar?
RRP	£26.95 (1 year)	£39.14 (1 Year)
Overall Rating	17 out of 22	18 out of 22

Overall I have been very impressed with Avira’s Premium Security Suite! It’s really given AVG Internet Security a run for its money! As you can see, Avira’s feature’s aren’t quite as extensive as AVG’s, this is represented by the lower price. For Avira to really compete with the likes of AVG they will need to increase its compatibility and bring in features such as Identity Protection. Avira’s userface could also do with a ‘facelift’ to make it easier to user and generally nicer to look at.

To conclude, watch out for Avira in the next few years…it’s bound to be big!

Norton 360 vs AVG Internet Security

Alex — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:49 +0000

Over the next few weeks we are going to run a series of comparisons between different Anti-Virus Software. In these comparison post’s we’re going to show you the main features that the two products provide and then tell you which we think is better through our rating system. Our ratings are worked out by the amount of ticks the product has. Further points are awarded for faster download, simpler/better installation and cheaper price. This time it is Norton’s 360 v3.0 vs AVG’s Award Winning Internet Security v8.5.

Feature
Download Time	Average	Fast
Installation	Quick but slightly tedious (you have to register for a second time.) Doesn’t help you set up the general running of the software.	Takes an average length of time. Quite extensive and helps you set up the basic features of the software.
Antivirus Technology
Identity Protection (Including Phishing Protection, Checks Links, Keeps you details safe whilst shopping online, etc)
Antispyware
Backup Software
Automated Virus Updater
Protects against Viruses, Bots, Spyware, Rootkits, Worms, Trojan Horses, etc.
Online Storage Available?
Helps Secure and Monitor Networks
Download and Instant Messenger Screening
Firewall Protection
RRP	1 Year: £59.99 2 Years: £109.99	1 Year: £39.14 2 Years: £58.71
Available to Download from Brandstar?
Overall Rating	9 out of 14	12 out of 14

So to conclude, from our investigations and playing around with the two software’s, we can announce that we think AVG Internet Security is the better software of the two. It may not have any backup software within the package but it works out cheaper to get AVG and then buy yourself a decent back up tool and external hard drive.

Next time we’ll be comparing AVG Internet Security with McAfee Total Protection.

Windows 7 RC – Brilliant!

Grae — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:29:51 +0000

We have been testing the Beta version of Windows 7 since that was released and downloaded the RC as soon as we could get our hands on it. In short we still think it is brilliant and are really looking forward to the final release.

Without writing pages and pages on this the best way to sum up Windows 7 is this - “Windows 7 is in short a refined version of Windows Vista”

If you have a spare machine then download the Release Candidate for free here: Microsot Windows 7 RC Download. And see what you think.

Have a read of our other Windows 7 posts and we will post back soon with of first impressions of Windows 7 RC !

Spotify

Alex — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:00:59 +0000

Free, legal and music streaming are words which you don’t often hear together…until now. Spotify is a free program that you can download. It lets you stream (listen to) millions of songs for free!! You could type in loads of current bands and find all their albums ready to listen to. You’ve also got all the golden oldies there for your pleasure if that floats your boat. The only catch is that you have an advertisement every 30 minutes or so. But for what you’re getting it is well worth it!

Its really simple to use too! Just download the software, register and then you’re ready to start listening. When you want to listen to music just log in, search a song/album/artist and click play!

Spotify has many great features available:

Searches – it remembers your recent searches and compiles them in a list on the left-hand side (see image for example).
Top Lists – Check out what songs everyone else is listening to in Top Lists. It shows you a list of the most popular songs and albums in your country and the entire world.
Radio – Select the decade and genre then Spotify generates a playlist of great songs from that era for your listening pleasure.
Playlists – Make your own playlist from your favourite songs on Spotify
Play Queue – Add albums and songs to your Play Queue to save searching for a new song every time one finishes!

If you really like Spotify you can buy their ‘Day Pass’ or ‘Premium’ Package. The Day Pass allows you to 24 hour access with no ad’s for just 99p!! The Premium Package will set you back £9.99 per month but gets you unlimited access with Spotify invites and no Ad’s!

Like the idea of Spotify? Want to find out more? In which case check out their Website, their Video or post us a comment!

AVG Comparison

Alex — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:49 +0000

Here is a table comparing the latest AVG packages. They are currently available from Brandstar with a 15% Discount!

Free Anti-Virus software doesn’t protect you, your files or your identity while:

Shopping online
Banking online
Chatting to friends
Downloading music, files and films

Feature	AVG Free	AVG Anti-Virus Pro 8.5	AVG Internet Security 8.5

RRP – 1 year	Free*	£29.35	£39.14
Brandstar Price		£25.52	£34.03
RRP – 2 year	Free*	£39.14	£57.81
BrandstarPrice		£34.03	£50.27
Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware protects against viruses, spyware, adware and identity-theft
Safe Search scans search results to ensure that pages are safe
Prevents Identity Theft helps prevent identity theft
Anti-Rootkit protection against hidden threats on your computer which can deliver malicious content onto your machine
Safe Downloads scans your downloads for any dangerous content
Safe Instant Messaging protection for your ICQ and MSN communication
Safe Surf real-time protection from poisoned web pages
Free Support free 24/7 Support from AVG
Anti-Spam catches e-mail threats including phishing, fraud and spam
Firewall stops hackers and viruses spread over the internet
System Tools assists the admin when finding problems
Download	Free	30 day trial	30 day trial
Buy at Brandstar		Buy at Brandstar	Buy at Brandstar

SyncToy v2.0

Alex — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:00:55 +0000

SyncToy 2.0 is a free software download from Microsoft. It is a Backup Tool and very very simple to use. Click to Download SyncToy 2.0. The download itself is fairly small so doesn’t take long to download on the typical Internet connection. The installation process is again straightforward and isn’t very time consuming. The software is extremely user friendly and couldn’t be any simpler to use. In fact, it’s so simple my Nan who learnt to change a battery 4 years ago would be able to use it!

The key element to the software is pairing folders, e.g., folder A and folder B. With the folder pairings you can choose one of three processes:

Sync – Where any changes made in folder A are copied to folder B. And any changes made in folder B are copied to folder A.
Echo – Where changes made in folder A are copied in folder B, but any changes made in folder B won’t be copied to folder A.
Contribute – Very similar to Echo. Where changes made in folder A are copied in folder B, but any changes made in folder B won’t be copied to folder A. However, you cannot delete in either folder.

SyncToy is a great little application which I am very impressed with. Have you used it before? What do you think of it? Any questions?